Dealy Island

Formally Recognized:
2009/12/08

Exterior view

Exterior view

Other Name(s)

n/a

Links and documents

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Construction Date(s)

Listed on the Canadian Register:
2010/03/23

Statement of Significance

Description of Historic Place

Composed largely of loose rock and tundra, Dealy Island has long been a landmark for arctic explorers. Located off the south coast of Melville Island, a large storehouse and cairn were built there in 1853. A whaleboat, two sledges and three graves were also left on the island at that time.

Heritage Value

For generations of arctic explorers, Dealy Island was an important stopping place. In 1853 the crews of HMS Resolute and HMS Intrepid visited the island during the British Admiralty’s final attempt to find the Franklin Expedition. While there, Henry Kellett, captain of HMS Resolute, organized the construction of a large storehouse for sailors in distress. Built from 100 tonnes of local stone, its walls were four feet thick. Tarred canvas and coal bags formed its roof. When finished, Kellett's Storehouse held enough provisions to maintain 66 men for seven months.

Over the years, Dealy Island has attracted other notable travelers who have added to its heritage value. While attempting to assert Canadian sovereignty over the Arctic Archipelago, Captain Joseph Bernier visited the island in 1908. After making repairs to the storehouse, he removed several items and donated them to the National Museum of Man. Less than a decade later, the Canadian Arctic Expedition, led by Vilhjalmur Stefansson, stopped on Dealy Island and dismantled the storehouse roof. In 1944 RCMP Corporal Henry Larsen also explored the island during as part of his historic voyage through the Northwest Passage. The island was designated of territorial historic significance in 1978.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements for Dealy Island include:
- Its barren island landscape
- Kellett's Storehouse with its 4' thick perimeter walls
- A drainage ditch extending out from exterior walls of storehouse
- Iron ship's ballast tanks near storehouse
- Large cairn on the island's summit built by HMS Resolute crewmembers
- Graves of three crewmembers from HMS Resolute
- 2 sledges (now housed at the Canadian Museum of Civilization
- 2 muskets (now housed at the Canadian Museum of Civilization)
- An abandoned whale boat from the HMS Resolute